Musical Recreations

Medieval and Modern Concert

This program offers a journey of a thousand years, from Gregorian chant of the 11th century to contemporary music by Norman composers, following in the footsteps of William the Conqueror.
The music of the 11th century, which constitutes its sound universe, marks a pivotal period in European history, with the transition from neumatic notation to musical staff notation. The singing, the vielle, and the flute of the ensemble "À la Traverseinne," played on reconstructed instruments based on medieval iconography, engage in dialogue with contemporary works performed by the ensemble "Intibaa’."
The two groups come together around a creation by David Defillon, inspired by a melody from the Songs of Consolation, offering a musical journey enriched by theatrical mediation. This dialogue allows us to perceive both the contrasts and resonances between these repertoires.

Medieval Musical Recreations
In the Middle Ages, a school of singing was developed by Guillaume de Volpiano (1001-1028) and his disciple Jean de Ravenne (1028-1079), also linked to major abbeys such as Jumièges, Saint-Ouen de Rouen, Bernay, and Mont-Saint-Michel. Volpiano is recognized for his talent in renewing the modulations of psalmic chant.
The Songs of Consolation, among the most disseminated works of the Middle Ages, are inspired by an 11th-century manuscript rediscovered after 142 years. Their reconstruction from neumes is the result of the work of Sam Barrett and Benjamin Bagby.
The program also evokes Hildegarde de Bingen, a major figure of the 12th century, as well as Richard the Lionheart, whose two songs are performed.

Modern Musical Recreations
In the 20th century, several composers drew inspiration from Gregorian chant to nourish contemporary writings, merging tradition and modernity. André Caplet, Albert Roussel, Anthony Girard, Dominique Lemaître, and David Defillon thus prolong this heritage in works marked by modal richness and a strong expressive dimension.

Practical Information:
All audiences
Duration: 1 hour
Admission: €20

Cooperation France / United Kingdom
Partnerships: DFDS Ferry Dieppe-New Haven, National Autonomous University of Mexico (UNAM), Medieval Music Festival in Essonne, Workshop TraVerse-DIEPPE, Tiers Temps Residency-ROUEN, Association of Descendants of William the Conqueror, Rouen Center Parish (Catholic Rouen), Saint John Paul II Parish-DIEPPE